Roberts returns to action for Giants

Outfielder will give starting three much-needed breathers

By Chris Haft / MLB.com

SAN FRANCISCO -- Dave Roberts' return could prove to be a boon for the Giants' regular outfielders, all of whom might need occasional rest as the season lengthens.

As anticipated, the Giants recalled Roberts from his injury rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Fresno and activated him from the 60-day disabled list Tuesday. Though San Francisco's starting outfield of Fred Lewis, Aaron Rowand and Randy Winn is expected to remain intact, manager Bruce Bochy said that Roberts, who's accustomed to playing regularly, should appear frequently as a substitute.

Lewis has been bothered by a sore bunion on his right foot, Rowand routinely plays despite punishing himself physically and Winn has weathered a bruised right knee.

Roberts, 36, isn't preoccupied with his status.

"Honestly, all I was focused on was getting healthy and coming back," said the ninth-year veteran, who underwent arthroscopic left knee surgery on April 12 after hitting .118 in the season's first week. "Regardless of what 'Boch' or the organization says or how they write the lineup, that's totally out of my control. For me to fret over something like that does me no good. With that, I'm just going to wait for my opportunity."

Unlike last season, when the Giants rushed Roberts back from an elbow ailment after a month of recovery and two injury rehab games at Fresno, he received ample time to heal this year. He played 11 games for Fresno, batting .387 with four doubles, a triple and two home runs.

"I wouldn't say it's 100 percent," Roberts said of his knee, "but I think with the damage I had going on, it wasn't going to be."

Being an older player without an essential role makes Roberts vulnerable to being traded, although his idleness this year sharply reduces the possibility of a deal. Still, Roberts is ready for anything.

"I think everyone understands that with the way things are going, anything's a possibility," he said.

Another injury-wracked Giant, infielder Kevin Frandsen, continued his recovery by taking pregame batting practice on the field for the first time since rupturing his left Achilles tendon on March 24.

"That was fun. It felt all right," said Frandsen, who's hoping to play before the season ends, even if it's in the Arizona instructional league in September.

Chris Haft is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.